BARMM Chief Minister Urges Filipinos to Uphold Lasting Peace

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua called on all Filipinos to reaffirm their commitment to lasting peace, declaring, “Never again to war, never again to division,” during the opening of this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month on Monday, September 1.

Macacua stressed that the Peace Bell ceremony is more than a symbolic gesture. “It serves as a reminder of the Bangsamoro people’s enduring aspiration: to live in peace, with dignity and justice,” he said. He added that peace is a shared responsibility of all Filipinos  Muslim, Christian, and Lumad alike.

Highlighting the significant progress made in the Bangsamoro region, the chief minister emphasized the need to protect these gains for future generations. “We know too well the cost of conflict. That is why we must never take the gift of peace for granted,” Macacua said.

The chief minister also underscored the importance of the upcoming 2025 BARMM regional parliamentary elections. “Ensuring peaceful and transparent elections is a critical step in safeguarding the progress we have achieved,” he said.

These achievements are anchored in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The CAB has two main tracks political and normalization which have allowed former combatants to reintegrate into society and transformed communities into zones of peace and development.

The political track led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its interim government, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). The normalization track oversaw the decommissioning of MILF combatants and provided extensive socioeconomic support, including cash assistance, scholarships, livelihood training, and PhilHealth coverage.

According to Macacua, the program has also enhanced regional security by dismantling private armed groups and recovering unregistered firearms. “The dividends of peace are now tangible in the Bangsamoro region,” he said, echoing this year’s theme: “Mapayapang Bukas, Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

“The region has seen reduced poverty, more employment opportunities, and increased investor confidence. Even previously conflict-affected areas are now welcoming visitors,” he added.

Macacua concluded with a resolute call to action: “Let us commit to preserving the peace we have built so that future generations inherit hope, not conflict. Lasting peace is within reach, and together, we will safeguard it.”

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